POLICE are appealing for information after a pensioner collapsed when a car was deliberately set alight outside her Wrexham home.

Emergency services were called to The Orchards in Hightown at about 4am following reports that a red Ford Fiesta car had been set alight. The fire was quickly extinguished.

The woman aged in her 70s was taken to the Maelor Hospital for treatment where her condition was unknown.

A man was arrested in the area soon after the incident and is currently being questioned by police.

Chief Inspector Alex Goss said; “We need witnesses to come forward. We are treating this incident extremely seriously and have increased high visibility patrols in the area. Car arson is a serious and dangerous crime and we are appealing for the community to work with us to bring those responsible to justice.

“We are unsure at this stage whether this incident is linked to a recent spate of arsons in the area although a thorough and in depth investigation is taking place.

“The police, council and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service are working closely together to ensure that this matter gets the up most attention.Together we will reassure the local communities and keep them informed of the work taking place.”

The incident has sparked calls from community leaders to catch the culprits after yet another arson attack in and around Caia Park and Wrexham.

Fears have been growing it was only a matter of time before somebody got injured or worse as a result of the ongoing attacks by firebugs.

Caia Park Cllr Keith Gregory said: “This is another arson attack in Caia Park, and it is a dreadful one.

“I have been saying for a long time it’s not going to be long before somebody gets injured or ill because of this.

“I live on Caia Park and it is getting to the point that people are afraid to go to sleep in case theirs is next.

Cllr Gregory said there had been meetings with police who he said were looking to increase the numbers of officers on the estate to counter the problem.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “It is a terrible shame, I heard she was poorly in hospital.”

A North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) spokeswoman said they sent and engine from Wrexham to extinguish the fire.

“It was in the engine department and the cause was deliberate ignition,” a NWFRS spokeswoman said.

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokeswoman confirmed they were called to an incident on The Orchards, shortly after 4.10am and took a lady to

Wrexham Maelor Hospital for treatment who had collapsed.

About 25 vehicles have now been set on fire by arsonists in and around Caia Park since the beginning of the year.

If anybody has information regarding this arson attack or others, they can contact the police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.